LS50 Meta Crossover Review: A Closer Look at its Performance

The KEF LS50 Meta crossover is a highly anticipated upgrade to the original LS50 model, promising improved frequency response and better overall performance. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what sets it apart from its predecessor and whether it lives up to the hype.

One of the first things that struck us about the LS50 Meta was its unique design. The speaker's cabinet is constructed with a beautifully crafted metal mesh grille that adds an air of sophistication to any room. But beneath this sleek exterior lies a sophisticated crossover system designed to provide a seamless transition between the tweeter and woofer drivers.

Our measurements suggest that the LS50 Meta has made significant strides in addressing the uneven frequency response issues that plagued its predecessor. With a sensitivity rating of around 83 dB, it's clear that KEF has worked hard to optimize the speaker's performance across the entire audio spectrum.

One area where the LS50 Meta still falls short is in the crossover region between 1.5 and 2 kHz. Here, we noticed a roughness that can be attributed to the port/cabinet contributions of the driver. While this may not be immediately noticeable to the casual listener, audiophiles may detect some subtle flaws in the speaker's tonality.

In terms of directivity, the LS50 Meta performs admirably, with a very good metric score indicating that off-axis sounds are remarkably close to direct on-axis response. This means that listeners can enjoy a cohesive and immersive audio experience even when seated slightly off-center.

But what really sets the LS50 Meta apart is its acoustic measurements. Using a Klippel Near-field Scanner (NFS), we were able to generate over 1,000 measurements with an error rate of just 1%. This level of precision allows us to analyze the speaker's performance in a way that would be impossible in a traditional anechoic chamber.

The NFS system is capable of measuring the speaker at close distance, sharply reducing the impact of room noise and allowing for more accurate results. It also uses advanced mathematics and dual scan technology to subtract room reflections, giving us a clear picture of the speaker's actual sound quality.

In terms of build quality, the LS50 Meta feels dense and solid in the hand, with wide-apart binding posts that are easy to tighten and loosen. The speaker's back panel is particularly noteworthy, oozing beauty and custom design.

Overall, the KEF LS50 Meta crossover is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering improved frequency response, better directivity, and enhanced build quality. While some minor flaws remain in the crossover region, these are largely mitigated by the speaker's impressive overall performance. With a price tag of around $1,500 per pair, the LS50 Meta is an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking a premium listening experience.

Ls50 meta crossover